v. Function: verb
1 to free from material impurities or noxious matter FF1C; purify the water for drinking FF1E;
Synonyms: clarify, clean, cleanse, depurate
Related Words: elutriate; filter; refine
Contrasted Words: dirty, foul, soil
Antonyms: contaminate, pollute
2 to free from guilt or moral blemish (often ceremonially) FF1C; purify one's heart through confession FF1E;
Synonyms: cleanse, expurgate, lustrate, purge
Related Words: atone, expiate; absolve, remit
Contrasted Words: defile, sully, tarnish